Security forces eliminate five terrorists in Lakki Marwat operation: ISPR

ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed five terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday.

The ISPR stated that the operation was launched following reports about the presence of "khawarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khawarij" in the area. The term "Fitna al Khawarij" is used by the state for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). During the operation, troops engaged the location and, after an intense exchange of fire, five terrorists were killed.

The military’s media wing further said, "During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khawarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, five khawarij were sent to hell." The ISPR added that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain individuals, who "remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area." The statement described the terrorists as "India-sponsored khawarij."

The ISPR also noted that a sanitisation operation was underway to ensure the elimination of any other "India-sponsored kharji" in the vicinity, as part of the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign under the vision 'Azm-e-Istehkam'. The statement reaffirmed the resolve that "Pakistan’s security forces remain determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country."

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for the successful operation. Both leaders praised the personnel for their bravery and reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from Pakistan.

The ISPR further stated that the security forces "will continue to take action against foreign-sponsored terrorists until the country is completely rid of terrorism."